We know you have questions— here are the answers! Our FAQs are the perfect place to get some clarity.
Missing an answer? Send us an email.
With scripts you can completely or partially automate time-consuming tasks or complex processes. This way, you can complete recurring tasks in no time at all. Combine multiple tasks with automation and perform them with just one click. This is especially useful when you are working on larger projects with many different elements.
A good example of a comprehensive script would be the automated creation of a product catalog that is to be filled with content from a database.
But also simpler tasks can be solved well with a script, like exporting to a certain file format over and over again.
And you can solve many more tasks with scripts.
We have years of experience in scripting, using InDesign and developing automation solutions. Over time, we realized in many places that using scripts could further improve our favorite tool. However, we noticed from time to time that some InDesign users have doubts when using scripts.
Octopus takes away those doubts, because the scripts come with a new user interface, a clear dashboard and ease of use. This gives even scripting buffs the opportunity to get easy access to this great technology.
Everything related to "Project Octopus" is completely free.
You don't have to pay with money or your data!
No subscription. No hidden costs. No advertising. We promise!
First of all, you don't have to provide any personal information to gain access to the script.
Besides, we cannot trace the path Octopus takes from us to your computer.
And of course, the use of the script is also anonymous for you. The usage data, which we absolutely need for the further development of the scripts, are evaluated anonymously. Further details about the processing of your data can be found in our AGBs
"Project Octopus" was launched by the Stuttgart-based media service provider Satzkiste GmbH in collaboration with Berlin-based programmer Gerald Singelmann. Gerald Singelmann is a gifted scriptwriter and creative collaborator.
Die Satzkiste develops InDesign templates and automated solutions for InDesign workflows, designed for publishers and marketing departments. Die Satzkiste also provides typesetting and final artwork production services for clients and offers training, support, and consulting for InDesign and InCopy users. Ultimately, a solid understanding of how InDesign works, where the weak points in processes lie, and what users’ needs and requirements are for InDesign forms the basis for developing the scripts.
You might want to watch this video ?
Copy the URL
https://cloud.satzkiste.de/s/KGmSj9S6jtJD7ff/download/Octopus-V2-First-Install.jsx
manually into your browser. Then the JSX file should automatically load into your download folder.
We do not guarantee anything! Except that we made the software with love 💗 and tested it with perseverance 🥵.
The scripts should work on Windows and macOs from 10.14 and InDesign version CC 2020.
To help you keep track of everything, we made the script "Octopus Dashboard". The button "Show Octopus directories" opens them in your operating system.
Windows: 🪟
\Users\[User Name]\AppData\Roaming\...
...\Adobe\InDesign\Version [Version Number]\de_DE\Scripts\Startup Scripts
...\Adobe\InDesign\Version [Version Number]\de_DE\Scripts\Scripts Panel
...\Preferences\Adobe InDesign\Version [Version Number]\de_DE\Scripts Panel\octopus\cs_octopus_[Version Number]
...\cs_octopus_[Version Number]
...\cs_octopus
macOs 🍏
/Users/[User]/Library/...
.../Preferences/Adobe InDesign/Version [Version Number]/de_DE/Scripts/Scripts Panel/octopus
.../Preferences/Adobe InDesign/Version [Version Number]/de_DE/Scripts/Startup Scripts
.../Preferences/Adobe InDesign/Version [Version Number]/de_DE/Scripts/Scripts Panel
.../Application Support/cs_octopus_[Version Number]
.../Application Support/cs_octopus
Currently (May 2023) you cannot choose which scripts you want to have, or not have. Using Project-Octopus at the moment comes with a user interface that includes all available scripts.
If you use Project-Octopus, then you get the scripts installed that we share.
We stand with our good name for the fact that we deal responsibly with the project, the scripts and your computer!
Congratulations! 🎖️
Feel free to send us an e-mailand describe us what behavior you expected and what behavior of the software you observed.
Please write in which operating system and program version you observed the error.
We are very happy if you enjoy Project Octopus and the scripts make your daily work easier. 😊
If you would like to support, we would be happy if you use your possibilities to make the project known. Inform colleagues, friends and use your social media.
If you want to support us financially, you have the possibility via Paypal. But you don't have to!!
We are also welcome to talk about other ways, just come up to us and let's talk.
We would be happy to create the right script for your publications to match your workflow. We will advise you on your special request without obligation.
If an error message appears when running Octopus-starter.jsx, it helps to launch InDesign with administrator privileges.
Oh, that's too bad that you don't want to continue using the scripts from Project Octopus.
We'd love it if you could let us know what prompted you to do this. Just send us an email. We’d like to understand this and improve.
We don't have an "uninstaller." If you want to remove Octopus, go to
- Run the Octopus "Dashboard" script at
- Click "Show Octopus Directories" at
- In the folders that open, delete all folders and files that have“Octopus” in their names.
♥️ Maybe you'd like to subscribe to the newsletter. That way, you won't miss it when we publish a script that might interest you.
Problems with the Type Library that occur during installation or after an InDesign update can be resolved by launching InDesign once with administrator privileges.
In Windows Explorer, right-click on InDesign.exe and select "Run as administrator."
